Maine – Bitter cold grips the region this morning as breath hangs in the air and tires crunch across frozen pavement. The calm feels deceptive. Winter weather is already lining up travel trouble for tonight and the Wednesday morning commute.
According to the National Weather Service in Gray, light snow is expected tonight across southern Maine and nearby New Hampshire. Snow may lead to slippery travel by early Wednesday. A more complex mix follows Tuesday night, with snow possibly changing to sleet and freezing rain by Wednesday morning.
Temperatures start the day near 12 degrees in Portland-area locations, with wind chills near zero. Clouds increase today, keeping highs near 23. Conditions deteriorate this evening as snow develops. Even light accumulation can coat untreated roads, parking lots, and sidewalks.
Tuesday stays mostly cloudy and cold, with highs near 33. By Tuesday evening, precipitation becomes steadier. Snow transitions to sleet late, then freezing rain toward early Wednesday. That changeover could create a thin glaze of ice, especially on bridges, overpasses, and secondary roads. Travel along I-95, Route 1, and Route 202 may slow quickly.
Wednesday begins slick before milder air nudges in. Highs climb toward the upper 30s, helping improve conditions later in the day. Still, shaded areas may remain icy longer. Crews may need extra time to treat roadways.
Thursday turns brighter and calmer, with sunshine pushing highs into the low 40s. Another system brings rain chances by Friday as temperatures rise into the upper 40s. The thaw feels welcome, but wet roads may linger.
Plan extra time for travel Tuesday night into Wednesday morning. Keep winter gear close and monitor updates as conditions evolve. How cold did it feel outside your door today?
Five Day Outlook for Portland, ME
- Monday: Increasing clouds, high near 23
- Tuesday: Mostly cloudy, high near 33
- Wednesday: Snow changing to sleet, high near 38
- Thursday: Sunny, high near 43
- Friday: Chance of rain, cloudy, high near 48
